ROOT CROPS 



99 



Insects : Usually the only serious pest is a mag- 

 got in the soil. This is similar to the onion maggot 

 mentioned in Chapter VII, and the remedies would 

 be the same as there given. Flea beetles sometimes 

 bother (see Chapter XI). 



Salsify. — This is also called 'Vegetable oyster," 

 and is often used by Harriet in making an imitation 

 oyster-stew. It is 

 grown the same 

 as parsnip ; it is 

 hardy and may 

 be left in the 

 ground over win- 

 ter or stored at 

 once. One ounce 

 of seed will sow 

 about 100 feet 

 of drill. Mam- 

 moth Sandwich 



Island is a good variety. There are no troublesome 

 pests so far as I know. 



Turnip. — Usually sown as a fall crop in July 

 or early August ; sometimes sown as an early mar- 

 ket crop very early in the spring. Must be grown 

 rapidly or the roots are woody and bitter. Sow in 

 the spring in rows the same as radishes. The mag- 

 got, wireworm and flea beetle are the principal pests 

 (see elsewhere for remedies). Thin the plants to 

 about five inches apart for early; wider if you want 

 big roots. 



Instead of sowing in rows in July, it is quite a 

 common practise to broadcast the seed on clean, 

 mellow ground, and then harrow or rake it in. 

 Here's a better way : Have the seedbed very fine, 

 then roll it ; sow the seed soon after a rain, and 



AFTER A THOROUGH RINSING, RADISHES 

 ARE THEN READY TO BE TIED IN BUNCHES 



